So I had my car hit while it was parked, so totally the other person’s fault. My insurance is for liability only— is there any reason to notify my insurance for assistance? Would it benefit me in any way?
If you have liability-only coverage, there isn’t much your insurance company can do for you.
They won’t ‘work with the other person’s insurance’ or ‘advocate for you’ because liability coverage only protects you when you are at fault. Since you’re not at fault, your insurance has no financial interest in the claim and won’t get involved.
You can still call them, but they will likely tell you they cannot assist beyond offering general advice.
Typically, no. However, if your car was parked illegally or in a way that impeded traffic, and someone was injured as a result, they might try to file a claim against your liability insurance.
Since you mentioned the accident was low-speed and the other driver is at fault, this doesn’t seem to apply in your case.
@Kei
None of that applies here. The other driver admitted it was a low-speed accident, and I don’t believe she’s injured.
Your insurance company might be able to assist if you run into difficulties with the other driver’s insurer, but since you only have liability coverage, they are unlikely to intervene.
Your best course of action is to file a claim directly with the other driver’s insurance. If they delay or deny the claim unfairly, you could consider consulting a lawyer or your state’s insurance department.
@Mitchell
That’s the issue. It’s been over a week, and the other driver’s insurance is still ‘investigating’ because there was prior damage on my car in other areas. I’m not sure if my insurance can help me with that.
@Maisie
Unfortunately, insurance claims move slowly. I had a similar situation where someone hit my car in a parking lot, and it took almost two months to get it repaired.
If you have video evidence and witness statements, that should help speed things up. You might also want to ask if you qualify for a rental car while waiting for repairs.
@Mitchell
Wow, that long? Did they have video evidence in your case? Mine happened on the street, but luckily, my mom’s landlord has cameras and is willing to help.
Maisie said:
@Mitchell
Wow, that long? Did they have video evidence in your case? Mine happened on the street, but luckily, my mom’s landlord has cameras and is willing to help.
No video evidence in my case. The other driver admitted fault, but their insurance still took its time processing the claim.
If you have video proof, that should speed things up. Just make sure to provide it to the other driver’s insurance as soon as possible.
Yes, contact your insurance. Even with liability-only coverage, they may advocate for you if the other insurer is dragging their feet.
In my experience, different insurance companies handle these situations differently. Some will tell you to deal with the other insurer on your own, while others might assist by reaching out to the other driver’s insurance.
If your car is undrivable, you should ask if you qualify for a rental car while waiting for repairs.
@Ozzy
I don’t mind paying for repairs if I know I’ll be reimbursed. I’ll give my insurance a call now. Thanks!